I came across these interesting and useful designs from Finland. They are made by the designers at Tonfisk.
The philosophy behind their design company is to create not just a product with a different shape, but a whole new idea. As stated, “Form follows function doesn’t mean all objects have to look the same” is built on Louis Sullivan’s functionalist dictum. However in spite of its cliché-status it describes best our design philosophy.”
Photo from Garden Design.
The “KIIKKU” is this stepped garden or potted plant display. It lets you bring some color into your living room in a stylish and innovative way. Kiikku consists of a walnut wood ladder from which hang four easily removable flower pots.
The term Kiikku means “swing” in Finnish. It swings upward to display your flowers in a pretty arrangement. The pots could also be used to hold a herb garden or even the easy to care for succulents.
It looks like a simple idea that serves a good purpose for people who like to collect many potted plants. The idea is to create a stepped garden which could also be placed either indoor or outdoor. A great idea for those with limited space. Available at Unison. Photo from Unison.
The “Newton”. It’s a new way of serving sugar and milk. Based on gravity, the clever mechanism keeps the sugar bowl still while you tip the pitcher. Newton is designed so that the sugar bowl can be easily removed for refilling the milk jug but stays securely in place during pouring.”
The “Warm”. It’s a tea and coffee set that combines ceramic teacups and teapots with bracelets of laminated bent wood. Held on by friction the wood acts as handles and helps insulate your tea or coffee. Since its launch in 1998 WARM tea and coffee set has become a ‘mini classic’ of Finnish and Scandinavian design.”
All these neat ideas sure make serving your coffee and tea very interesting. On second thought, the bracelets of laminated bent wood would make nice fashion bracelet as well. It would make your Bohemian outfit complete with these all natural wooden jewelry.
All these items are definitely designed for more modern yet practical living. Since I am a classic girl at heart, I still prefer my tea served with a regular teapot and mug. Maybe a hand knit tea cozy would be nice too.
Images and info from Tonfisk. Turku, SUOMI - FINLAND
10:14 pm on May 26th, 2010
I like the stepped garden at Unison, but it’s kind of pricey. I think it’s a great idea to lean this against the house if you lack the space to do gardening.
I’ve been thinking about doing a stepped bookshelves for Lee’s books. The one for the plants looks real neat, I might try one similar to this.
12:26 am on May 28th, 2010
Hi Nye,
The Finns sure have pricey stuff. It’s one of those design that would look nice if you have nothing else around, otherwise it’ll just be more clutter!
But I think the bookshelf idea would be great and sounds like a fun project.